The Toronto Maple Leafs have long been searching for stability between the pipes, and with recent struggles in the crease, fans are wondering if a new goaltender could finally be the missing piece in their Stanley Cup puzzle. With the Montreal Canadiens seeing promise in their own young netminder, could the Leafs follow suit and find their next franchise goalie?

Goaltending has been a recurring issue for the Leafs, especially in high-pressure playoff situations. While Ilya Samsonov and Joseph Woll have shown flashes of brilliance, inconsistency and injuries have raised concerns. A team built on elite offensive talent needs a rock-solid presence in net—someone who can steal games and give them a fighting chance against top contenders.

With speculation swirling about the Leafs potentially making a move for a new goalie, comparisons to the Montreal Canadiens’ strategy have begun to surface.

The Canadiens, despite being in a rebuilding phase, seem to have found their future No. 1 in Samuel Montembeault. The 27-year-old has stepped up as a reliable option for Montreal, proving that a well-developed goaltender can be a franchise cornerstone. The Habs locked him into a three-year extension, signaling their belief in his long-term potential.

Could the Leafs take a similar approach? Instead of relying on patchwork solutions, should they commit to a younger, developing goalie who can grow into the role?

If the Leafs decide to shake things up, they could explore options via trade. With names like Juuse Saros, Jacob Markström, or even Montembeault himself being tossed around in trade rumors, Toronto may have a chance to land a game-changing netminder.

Another approach would be to invest in Joseph Woll as their long-term solution, much like the Habs have with Montembeault. At 25, Woll has shown promise, but his injury history is a concern. If he can stay healthy, could he be the Leafs’ version of Montembeault—a steady presence who grows into an elite starter?

With the Leafs in win-now mode, every move matters. Whether it’s making a blockbuster trade for a proven goalie or putting full trust in Woll, Toronto must find an answer in net if they want to end their championship drought.

Is a new goaltender truly the missing piece, or can the Leafs win with their current tandem? One thing is certain—Leafs fans will be watching closely as the goaltending situation unfolds.